Thursday, September 8, 2011

OUR PICK: Highland Haven Creekside Inn


If you had a treehouse when you were a kid, it probably couldn't hold a candle to this one in Evergreen - Highland Haven Creekside Inn's newly completed Tree House suite.


Features of the above-ground main level include:The Tree House was built to be green, using sustainable materials and meeting Energy Star's highest rating. The accommodation has won second place in the 2010 national design competition sponsored by the 2010 SIP (Structured Insulated Panels) School Design Symposium.- Stairways lined with a rare collection of treehouse art.- A canopied king-size bed flanked by aspen logs.- A wet bar with teak root sink, LED glass shelf lighting and quartzite stone tile work.- A luxurious bathroom featuring a petrified wood vanity sink and pebble path leading to a two-person steam shower.A climb to the second story reveals a spa cupola anchored by an infinity-edged Jacuzzi with "champagne" microbubble technology. From the tub, you can enjoy the multicolored, stained-stick paneling on the 15-foot peaked ceiling, along with an aspen mobile created by a Colorado artist. Sixty-five yards of caramel sheers and unspoiled views of towering pine trees complete the scene.- A custom tile and iron fireplace.- Antique stained glass reclaimed from a Denver mansion.- A showpiece chandelier spark-ling with Swarovski crystals.Joy Harper, The GazetteCreated by owners Gail Riley and Tom Statzell, the 850-square- foot Tree House is built atop 21-foot-high, 36-inch-diameter cedar log structures.Rates for Highland Haven Creekside Inn's Tree House are $475 per night Sundays-Thursdays, and $550 per night Fridays and Saturdays.The Highland Haven, celebrating 32 years of continuous operation, earned a coveted Fodor's Choice award for being an industry leader in service, quality and value. The inn was also named one of the Top 10 Most Romantic Inns of the Year by www.iloveinns.com, one of the nation's Top 10 Most Romantic Cottages by Sunset magazine, and Best Bed and Breakfast by Mountain Living magazine.For reservations, information and directions, call 1-800-459- 2406 or visit www.highlandhaven.com.It's the award-winning inn's most extravagant new accommodation - the first freestanding addition in its 32-year history, offering a combination of luxury, romance and nature nestled between two 60- foot blue spruce trees."As a kid growing up in Indiana, I was always climbing up in the oak trees, swinging from grape vines and being my happiest taking in nature," Riley said. "The Tree House would be as romantic as an iconic childhood getaway. We knew our guests, new and old, would love it. It would cast a secretive spell on a generation of adults, truly living up to its motto, 'Taking Romance to New Heights.'"Located 30 minutes west of Denver, the inn is known for its exceptional breakfasts and features 18 rooms, suites and cottages, each distinctly appointed in "Colorado chic" decor.

Joy Harper, The Gazette




Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Holidays


4&5 King-size beds, baths and chandeliers at our Top 10 luxury campsites


6&7 Great UK Days Out, plus: How a 'glamping' hol made me a superdaddy16 Must-haves on the festival circuit: our guide to the top ten outdoor gadgets17 After two years trying to sell I netted a buyer for my flat in weeks - on eBay14&15 Save or Spend: All the essential camping kit, from low- cost to luxury12&13 Gardening: How to make scents of perfumed plants and flowersHomes18&19 Tricks of the Trade. Plus: Get the Downing Street look in your kitchen8&9 Travel Q&A, plus: Cut the Costa on a family camping break to Spain

18&19 Tricks of the Trade. Plus: Get the Downing Street look in your kitchen




5 Glass chandeliers


These signature Rezzonico Murano glass chandeliers were designed by Alger-Triton International for Encore at Wynn Las Vegas under the direction of Roger Thomas, executive VP of Wynn Design & Development.


Alger-Triton

www.alger-triton.com




Tuesday, September 6, 2011

SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES to be Unveiled in New Lighting Showroom at Dallas International Lighting Market, June 2011


New SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES, Showroom to Sparkle in Dallas


The lighting division of SWAROVSKI is now headquartered in Plattsburgh, NY.(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110609/NY16617)SWAROVSKI - the world leader in high-quality, precision-cut crystal, and SCHONBEK, the leading worldwide crystal lighting manufacturer, have consolidated their stance as choice partners for contemporary, classic and custom-designed crystal lighting, providing sparkling inspiration for discerning customers around the globe.Also new for 2011 is the uniting of two world-class brands - SWAROVSKI and SCHONBEK - in one stunning showroom at the Dallas Market Center, Suite 4926. Designed in alliance with renowned tvsdesign, the showroom supports each brand's distinctive identity while further conveying SCHONBEK's position as a member of the Swarovski Company. Illuminating the 9,000-square-foot space will be a vast composition of premium lighting product lines by SWAROVSKI and SCHONBEK, creating a glittering setting unlike any other.Met with acclaim in the European retail and North American hospitality custom-contract markets, SWAROVSKI is pleased to introduce this premiere lighting collection to the North American retail lighting community.On exhibit will be Todd Bracher's minimalist 'Strandelier' alongside the cunningly constructed, yet elusive, 'Deconstruct'. The crystalline purity of nature is laid bare in 'Crystalline Icicles' by S. Russell Groves, while Andre Kikoski's 'ReveaLED' stuns with its otherworldly glow. Stephen Burks's 'Inside/Out' achieves a reductive elegance, as the expressionist 'Crystal Empire' surprises with its reinterpretation of the classic chandelier, harnessing crystal with leather strapping.PLATTSBURGH, N.Y., June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SWAROVSKI will sparkle at the Dallas International Lighting Market, June 23-26, as it unveils SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES to the North American retail market in a stunning new lighting showroom. This inaugural collection of chandeliers is completely manufactured by SWAROVSKI and luminously illustrates forward thinking, unprecedented design aesthetic and technological innovation, elevating and enhancing the natural marriage of crystal and light.SOURCE SWAROVSKIWWW.ARCHITECTURE.SWAROVSKI.COMEnlivened by the tradition of the classic, the modernity of SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES signifies a new generation of exceptional lighting objects. Unusual luminaires fashioned by renowned designers, SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES presents an abundance of breakthrough designs and custom possibilities.

SOURCE SWAROVSKI




Dramatic Black Chandeliers


Everyone's home is different as fixtures and fittings are chosen in accord with your own individual taste. If choosing a chandelier then this is also the case, there are thousands of designs to pick from and your ultimate choice will be down to preference, and price range. Whether you like the elegance of a crystal or glass design, the moodiness and mystery of a black design, or the less obvious chandelettes, you'll find lots of attractive and unique options in each style. Look online and leaf through catalogues where you'll be amazed at the wide range of materials, styles and prices.


Black chandeliers are perfect for the dining area as they lend the room a sensual and striking contrast when co-ordinated with the right d�cor. Consumers with limited finances will be satisfied to learn there are options available in all price ranges, from thousands of pounds to under a few hundred. Transform your space into a dramatic and interesting one and once you see the effect you'll soon be turning your thoughts to the rest of the house.When making your choice then consider how easy it is going to be to keep clean, they attract dust due to their elevated position and can be difficult to reach and clean, so it's wise to keep in mind that the more intricate the design the longer it will take to maintain. Also opt for standard bulbs if possible as they are easier to replace and sold in most outlets.Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Amazing Chandeliers, http://www.amazingchandeliers.co.uk/ a leading distributor of a range of black chandelier lights such as crystal black chandeliers. http://www.amazingchandeliers.co.uk/acatalog/Black_Chandeliers.html For a more modern and contemporary touch go for their highly versatile chrome chandelier lights.Another good place to hang a black chandelier is the master bedroom, it can give an air of decadence and makes for a particularly interesting feature that can be highlighted with matching furnishings, or dressed down. Crystal, iron or metal, or a black shade chandelier really has a dramatic effect on a room and guarantees a totally unique look. Black lighting fixtures are amongst the best sellers in the lighting world and when you see the hundreds of unique and stunning designs and fashions on offer it's not surprising.For the majority of homes with a ceiling at average height then you want to ensure your lighting fixture is smaller than the table it's placed above, if not then people will be bumping their heads when they stand up! It needs to be high enough and narrower than the table to look good and not become a liability.Chandeliers have been around for ever, and manufactured out of practically every material known. Today it is possible to buy them made from wrought iron, wood, glass, iron, brass and copper, plastic, ceramics, steel, chrome chandeliers, even deer antlers! How they are lit has also moved on since the middle ages where candles were the norm, now reproductions of candle styles use electrical bulbs for obvious reasons.Shop online for your chandelier as there is a much larger selection to browse through and you are guaranteed to find something that takes your fancy. Most lighting websites have online catalogues full of crystal, metal, iron and brass, ceramic, black and coloured designs and there's lots of choice at affordable prices. You can shop by category, style or brand name online much more quickly than if visiting various showrooms and stores. They'll also generally offer free shipping on most items, easy payment systems and a low price guarantee.There are all kinds of funky and unique lighting options available these days and choosing a chandelier can give your home an elegance and sophistication that no other lighting fixture can achieve. Visit lighting stores and immerse yourself in the beauty and elegance of these great products, or better still go online and check out the various designs and discover the wealth of unique models in dazzling detail.

Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Amazing Chandeliers, http://www.amazingchandeliers.co.uk/ a leading distributor of a range of black chandelier lights such as crystal black chandeliers. http://www.amazingchandeliers.co.uk/acatalog/Black_Chandeliers.html For a more modern and contemporary touch go for their highly versatile chrome chandelier lights.




Monday, September 5, 2011

New SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES, Showroom to Sparkle at Dallas International Lighting Market, June 2011


SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES To Be Unveiled to Trade In Stunning New Lighting Showroom


SWAROVSKI - the world leader in high-quality, precision-cut crystal, and SCHONBEK, the leading worldwide crystal lighting manufacturer, have consolidated their stance as choice partners for contemporary, classic and custom-designed crystal lighting, providing sparkling inspiration for discerning customers around the globe.The lighting division of SWAROVSKI is now headquartered in Plattsburgh, NY.SOURCE SWAROVSKIAlso new for 2011 is the uniting of two world-class brands - SWAROVSKI and SCHONBEK - in one showroom at the Dallas Market Center, Suite 4926. Designed in alliance with renowned tvsdesign, the 9,000-square-foot showroom supports each brand's distinctive identity in a glittering setting like no other.WWW.ARCHITECTURE.SWAROVSKI.COMPLATTSBURGH, N.Y., June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SWAROVSKI will sparkle at the Dallas International Lighting Market, June 23-26, as it unveils SWAROVSKI LIGHTING CENTERPIECES to the North American retail market in a stunning new lighting showroom. This inaugural collection of chandeliers is completely manufactured by SWAROVSKI and luminously illustrates individual designer inspiration and technological innovation, elevating and enhancing the natural marriage of crystal and light.(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110615/NY20882 )On exhibit to the trade will be Todd Bracher's minimalist 'Strandelier', with its delicately floating crystals, each possessing its own special magic, contributing to the luxury of the whole. Cunningly constructed from glass panels with Crystal Fabric is 'Deconstruct'. Aptly named, 'Deconstruct' flings its light into its space, the shimmering effects of its crystals racing to escape its rigid form. 'Crystalline Icicles' by S. Russell Groves, inspired by the crystalline purity of nature on a frosty winter's day, exudes the magical glint of an ice curtain glowing with polar light. The pared down 'ReveaLED' by Andre Kikoski stuns with its surprisingly understated purity of form and otherworldly glow emanating from its sparkling crystal inner surface. Stephen Burks's 'Inside/Out' achieves a reductive elegance, with light channeled through crystal that is not merely decorative but also a functioning optical element. Lastly, the expressionist 'Crystal Empire' surprises with its reinterpretation of the classic chandelier, harnessing crystal with leather strapping and extravagant light technology.

SOURCE SWAROVSKI




Baltimore's Old Otterbein officials worry that Grand Prix could


Inside the Old Otterbein United Methodist Church at Conway and Sharp streets hangs a 114-year-old chandelier with hundreds of crystal prisms.


Baltimore City Councilman William H. Cole IV said even though the race is loud, the vibration won't be an issue for the church. Cole attended the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach race in April and checked out the noise among buildings on the race track."We're really excited about the race, we really are," Risley said. "But we're concerned about the security and vulnerability of the property obviously."But as far as Sunday services go, don't count on hearing a sermon Sept. 4. It will be one of the few times in the church's 226 years that it will cancel Sunday services, she said."The vibrations caused by a typical 18-wheel truck that rolls through Baltimore happen more on a weekend and are stronger than a race car," said Lonnie Fisher, special projects manager for Baltimore Racing Development LLC."You can absolutely hear it. When you're inside, it's tolerable," Cole said. "It's a really loud hum, but they don't create vibration. They go by so fast, you don't even feel them.""We wouldn't want it to come down and shatter everything below it," she said.The church last dealt with a significant amount of noise when the Baltimore Convention Center underwent expansion in the mid-1990s. The noise and rumbling caused Old Otterbein's ceiling to crack, Risley said.If anything were to go wrong at the event and damage were caused by vandalism or noise and vibration, Fisher said the event's insurance would likely cover it.The white walls contain about 20 windows dating from 1785, and each window has 40 individual panes from the church's original construction. On the second level of the church is a pipe organ from the 1890s that reaches high to the ceiling."We're praying -- we're a little scared, too," said June Risley, Old Otterbein's council chair. "We've very worried about the possible damage to this building in particular because of the noise. Noise creates a lot of vibration."As for the church's chandelier, it will have to be lowered and rested for the first time since it was installed in 1897, Risley said. Typically, when the church has the chandelier cleaned, it takes an hour to lower it to pew level. Risley said church officials are considering taking off each of the hundreds of crystal prisms and numbering them until they can be put back on after the race.Baltimore Racing Development officials and city officials met with church representatives in April to address concerns about noise and potential damage.The panes of the church's windows would also be an expensive repair. A single pane is worth $2,500 because the glass isn't manufactured anymore, Risley said. Only about 10 panes have been replaced with regular glass since the church was built.But race organizers and city officials say they aren't too worried. They conducted a sound test in the city when the race was first announced to see how strong the vibrations would be.

But as far as Sunday services go, don't count on hearing a sermon Sept. 4. It will be one of the few times in the church's 226 years that it will cancel Sunday services, she said.




Sunday, September 4, 2011

Pretty Ballerinas Expands to the West Coast with Beverly Hills Store Opening


NEW YORK, June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pretty Ballerinas is thrilled to announce its West Coast store debut, due to open on July 7 at 371 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA. Fans of the elite footwear brand, best known for their elegant and stylish ballet flats and pumps, will now be able to shop their favourite styles right in the heart of Beverly Hills.


Pretty Ballerinas has been making the finest fashion-forward ballerinas since 1918. Their products are still hand-made on the Mediterranean island of Menorca and are available at US stores and online at www.prettyballerinas.us.PRESS CONTACT: Prin Bacalan, Tracy Paul & Company prin@tracypaul.com 212.741.5459The Beverly Hills store, affectionately referred to as the "chocolate box," displays the splendid assortment of Pretty Ballerinas signature colours of pink, gold, black and leopard, perfectly encompassing the feminine yet edgy personality of the brand. The space's 16-foot ceilings, Louis XV French antique gilt mirrors and aged chandelier create a grand experience for every customer.Over 186 styles will be available to customers at the store including 93 from the Summer '11 collection and 93 from the Winter '11 collection to celebrate the 93 years the brand has been making ballerinas by hand on the same Mediterranean island. The brand's huge variety of styles have quickly become a favourite among top stylists and celebrities, including Claudia Schiffer, Katherine Heigl and Kate Moss, whose bridesmaids will all be wearing Pretty Ballerinas at her upcoming wedding.SOURCE Pretty BallerinasThis will be Pretty Ballerinas' 26th store with locations all over the globe including New York City, Milan, London, Montreal, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Barcelona, Zagreb, Qatar and Taiwan.

SOURCE Pretty Ballerinas




Crystal Chandeliers: The Risk Of Buying Online


Crystal chandeliers are perfect lighting fixtures for living rooms, foyers, dining rooms and ballrooms. They not only provide elegant ambient lighting, they also add a truly unique element of style and sophistication to your current home decor.


After thorough research, choose the crystal fixture that perfectly suits your preferences. One major aspect about purchasing chandeliers on the Internet is that, these online stores will let you browse on its collection and display of detailed photos, along with the exact descriptions of the different designs sold there.The Internet Is a Convenient Venue For Chandelier-ShoppingSize And Dimension Are Important Before Choosing Which Type To BuyIn order make sure that you find the best lighting fixture that is appropriate for your home's existing dimensions, you need to first do a lot of research on the different models and styles available, by visiting your neighborhood home decor or lighting shop, and by surfing for home lighting info from online stores and consumer information sites on the Internet. If you wish to buy a chandelier online, you won�t have a lighting consultant present to help you figure out how to measure or install it.To be sure you go to a credible and professional chandelier dealer, do a lot of research and make comparisons of the online store's prices, payment modes, warranty options and cancellation terms. As there different crystal lighting designs online, customers should ask for pictures and details of the different lighting pieces they offer.A perfect way to shop for chandeliers is through the Internet. Currently, there are a lot of online shops that offer a wide array of good-quality, attractive and affordable lighting fixtures. These online shops offer customers unique lighting designs and styles, as well as give customers affordable payment options.However, have you noticed how some chandeliers just don't seem to fit in the rooms that they are hung? It could be perhaps that they are too big and would seem to overwhelm a room. Other ornate designs simply would not be able to match the other design elements of the room. In order to help you avoid these flaws, consult with your nearest home decor or lighting expert, and ask for the best options in making the chandelier work well for you.It would sometimes be a lonely and error-prone way to buy such an elegant home d�cor piece. And at certain online venues, you could find yourself buying a totally substandard product, as it has already happened to many buyers. For best results, buyers are advised to first consult with a professional home d�cor or lighting specialist for the best lighting options and pricing schemes, before you decide to purchase any decorative lighting fixture online.Tips To Ensure That You By The Right Chandelier Online

It would sometimes be a lonely and error-prone way to buy such an elegant home d�cor piece. And at certain online venues, you could find yourself buying a totally substandard product, as it has already happened to many buyers. For best results, buyers are advised to first consult with a professional home d�cor or lighting specialist for the best lighting options and pricing schemes, before you decide to purchase any decorative lighting fixture online.




Saturday, September 3, 2011

These Walls: Hotel Maire in Bartlesville, Oklahoma


In Oklahoma's territorial formation, virtually every community had one hotel spring up around the railroad depot to become the centerpiece of commerce and culture. That's where people went to impress and pamper clients and guests, to propose marriage or consummate the wedding, to toast the new year or simply dance the night away.


Through two renovations, museum Collections Manager Debbie Neece said the Maire added a second leg and then filled in the gap to become a cube, but the focus remained on quality. Founding partner C.E. Burlingame saw to that, taking full control of the hotel in 1937 and maintaining it another 24 years under his banner, the Burlingame Hotel. John Wayne and Ben Johnson numbered among his guests.That's the role the building retains, although now as the Bartlesville City Hall. A 1998 bond issue allowed that move two years later, the 10,000-square-foot top floor devoted to the Bartlesville Area History Museum.With an energy upgrade now under way, the structure continues to demonstrate its adaptability and usefulness, Mayor Tom Gorman said.But with Burlingame's declining years came heightened competition from the rise of interstates and motels, led by traveling families demanding ever larger quarters and amenities. When Burlingame finally sold his five-story fixture in 1963, it took just five years before new owner Marshall Chamberlain announced its closure.With many such foundational hotels, that would have spelled its doom. Changing construction designs and expensive retrofit requirements left the Mayo and Skirvin dormant for decades. But as with many historic elements of downtown Bartlesville, Phillips Petroleum stepped in to save the old Maire - transforming the structure into an office annex for the oil and gas giant's growing downtown complex."It has worked out well," said Singleton. "They redesigned this whole area, put in the specialty needs that we had as far as storage, humidity needs, that sort of thing.In Oklahoma City, that was the Skirvin. In Tulsa, the Mayo. In Bartlesville, that title went to 1914's Hotel Maire, an L-shaped structure of brick and stone built at an estimated cost of more than $150,000 (or $3.38 million today, by some constant dollar estimates).With the city's black-gold wealth fueling strong competition, the Maire went to great lengths to maintain its leadership role. It opened boasting of glass chandeliers, ceiling fans and wall lights lit by that newfangled electricity. A year after the 1928 stock market crash, the owners installed the first commercial Frigidaire cooling system west of the Mississippi, secured box springs and inner-springs mattresses for every bed, and piped ice water into every room."Sometimes being on the fifth floor is a little isolated," she said. "You don't get as much walk-in traffic. Other than that, with the renovation they did it served our purposes very well."

"Sometimes being on the fifth floor is a little isolated," she said. "You don't get as much walk-in traffic. Other than that, with the renovation they did it served our purposes very well."




Wedding Venues at The Ritz-Carlton Set the Stage for Romance and Memories to Last a Lifetime


Intimate or grand, under the stars or crystal chandeliers, for a bridal shower or the big day, with luxurious wedding venues in the most beautiful cities in the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., a global leader in hotels, service and lifestyle, sets the stage for extraordinary celebrations. And at each of the 76 worldwide resorts and hotels, professional event planners are on hand to assist in creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for every bride and groom.


Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1665732Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineTo browse the luxurious wedding venues at The Ritz-Carlton worldwide, visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Events/Weddings/Default.htm .With your wedding venue finalized, the resort's event professionals will help coordinate each element of your wedding -- from the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner to the bachelor party and day-after brunch -- ensuring that each element expresses the essence of you and your fiancé for the wedding of your dreams.About The Ritz-Carlton The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 76 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com . The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR).Brides- and grooms-to-be can choose from a generous selection of wedding venues and preferred amenities, such as resorts with spas, golf-courses and/or outdoor ceremony sites or chapels. Simply choose a specific hotel or desired geographic region, number of anticipated guests and preferred amenities and we'll instantly provide you with a comprehensive list of Ritz-Carlton properties matching your criteria. Once you've narrowed down your list of locations, complete the request form at the luxury resorts of your choice and an event specialist will be in contact to answer your questions and help plan your big day.

Media Contact Allison Sitch Senior Corporate Director, Public Relations (301) 547-4784 Email Contact




Friday, September 2, 2011

Ritz-Carlton Royalty, Southern Chic or Texas Traditions


With expansive windows, vast natural lighting and silk-lined walls, The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas is home to the largest luxury hotel ballroom in the heart of the city and an array of equally stunning wedding locations in Dallas . When combined with the impeccable service and exquisite cuisine expected from The Ritz-Carlton, weddings at this Dallas luxury hotel are designed to host the most unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.


Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineMedia Contact The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas (214) 922-0200To meet with a Certified Wedding Advisor, get full package details or start planning a wedding at this hotel in Dallas, visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Dallas/Events/Default.htm .For the savviest of brides, The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas offers comprehensive wedding packages in the most glamorous of indoor venues -- complete with custom-made Murano chandeliers and wall sconces. A private, well-manicured garden with lush greenery and tasteful lighting is the perfect setting for pre-ceremony entertaining or a cocktail reception. Pair the ideal location with a generous package -- The Ritz-Carlton Royalty, Southern Chic or Texas Traditions* -- for weddings in Dallas with a minimum of 200 guests. Packages include select place settings, décor, food and beverage service, floral design, valet parking, preferred guest room rates, complimentary overnight accommodations for the bride and groom, and much more.Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1668407Having thorough knowledge of wedding etiquette and trends, and cultural and religious traditions, Certified Wedding Advisors are available to assist brides with every step in the planning process. The in-house Event Design Studio is the ultimate resource in the creation and customization of events, where brides can browse an array of the finest linens, china and specialty décor available**.*Pricing varies depending on the package and is valid on qualifying events through 2011. **Brides may upgrade any part of their selected package for a fee.

Media Contact The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas (214) 922-0200




St. Louis photographer sues home decorating show


One man's "piece de resistance" is another man's infringed copyright, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in St. Louis.


Eastman is a prominent self-taught photographer. His photographs have appeared in Time and Life magazines and are in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art among other museums, the lawsuit says.Designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard wrote to Eastman in January about using the picture -- "Isabella's Two Chairs 1999" -- on the show. Eastman agreed to let Bullard use the picture, but he claims Bullard gave the impression that he would use only a smaller, framed, black-and-white limited edition photograph. Bullard also said he would give Eastman credit on the show.Michael Kahn and Geoff Gerber, of The BrickHouse Law Group in St. Louis, represent Eastman.Prominent St. Louis photographer Michael Eastman claims that an interior designer starring on Bravo's "Million Dollar Decorators" went overboard when he featured a photo by Eastman as a mural in television hostess Daisy Fuentes' home. The photo, taken in Havana, Cuba, shows two armchairs under a chandelier in a dilapidated ballroom.Bullard, who was returning Wednesday night from a trip to London, did not return a message seeking comment by press time. Press contacts at NBCUniversal, Bravo's parent company, and Goodbye Pictures, the show's producer, also did not respond to requests for comment by press time. A Warner Bros. spokesman said in an email the company had no immediate comment.A color version of the photo was enlarged, however, at a Warner Bros. facility and installed as the "piece de resistance" of the redecoration of Fuentes' home. Eastman never was mentioned on the show.According to the lawsuit:

The case is Michael Eastman and Michael Eastman Images Inc. v. NBCUniversal Media LLC; Bravo Media LLC, Goodbye Pictures Inc., Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Martyn Lawrence Bullard, 4:11- cv-01296.




Thursday, September 1, 2011

Chandeliers In The Home


Chandeliers are a beautiful adornment in the home. In the past chandeliers were really only a luxury for the very rich, but today anyone and everyone can enjoy a chandelier in their home. There are a lot to choose from and a large number of things to consider before purchasing a chandelier. This article acts as a guide to the world of chandelier buying and will also teach you how to care for your beautiful lights. Whether it is glass, wood, iron or crystal chandeliers that you are thinking about buying and hanging in your home, you should read this article beforehand.


In order to keep a chandelier looking its best, regular cleaning is very important. This should be considered when buying a hanging light such as this as you will want to be able to reach it regularly in order to give it a good clean. The best way to clean a chandelier is with a damp cloth and warm water. If you clean it every few months this way then it will stay looking its best and shining through as the focal point of the room. If you want to give it a more thorough clean then it is possible to take it down and remove each piece for a good clean. This is obviously a much longer process. The best advice to take when cleaning it this way is to take many photos beforehand so you have a good guide as to how all the pieces fit back together again.Chandeliers are a great form of lighting for any room in the house. Although they were once expensive, in the modern era all budgets are accommodated and it is even possible to find cheap chandeliers these days. There are black chandeliers available as well as other colours and materials so all styles, tastes and budgets can be accommodated.The first thing to consider when buying a chandelier is the size you are looking for. The size will depend on where the light is going to be displayed. If the light is for a very small room then the last thing you want is a very large chandelier. This will make the room seem even smaller because it will provide a feeling of overcrowding. At the other end of the spectrum however, choosing a very small chandelier for a very large room will look just as bad and out of place. When the room is large it is important that the central light makes a real statement and in order for this to be achieved a light of considerable size is necessary.Budget can be a consideration when choosing the perfect light. The great news however is that because there are chandeliers available in so many designs, sizes and made of different materials, there are chandeliers to fit all budgets. If you want to keep costs to a minimum then you may not choose a crystal design, but instead perhaps one made of glass. There are many ways to keep the costs down, especially if you search online for your light. By doing this you have more choice available and are likely to save money compared to buying lights on the high street.

Chandeliers are a great form of lighting for any room in the house. Although they were once expensive, in the modern era all budgets are accommodated and it is even possible to find cheap chandeliers these days. There are black chandeliers available as well as other colours and materials so all styles, tastes and budgets can be accommodated.




These Walls: Bartlesville's First Court Place


Few buildings encapsulate irony like Bartlesville's First Court Place.


"We had to do some work to make it work, but it does it well," owner Jerry Lesch said of the office building. "The only thing we've really had to do on a major scale was obviously re-roofing it. And I had to put in a new cooling tower last year.""It was one of those grand and glorious courthouses," said Joan Singleton, director of the Bartlesville Area History Museum, the Bartlesville Public Library and the White Rose Cemetery. "That was a time when courthouse buildings were very prestigious. They meant business. Nobody else had buildings like that; well, maybe big hotels, but unless you were very rich, nobody else had buildings that grand. For a community this size, it also was a reflection of the money that was available when it was built."The well-preserved structure now stands as home to Graham Rogers Insurance - marking still another irony, that a structure so closely identified to past crimes should house a company seeking to help protect against such losses.While that promising outlook endured a cold splash of realism less than two months later, once the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand carried most of Europe into the unimaginable Great War, Bartlesville's black crude frontier spirit survived. The courthouse soon witnessed many examples of that vibrant life, lusty tales of sex and murder, robberies, bribery and blackmail, some taking place upon its steps and within its halls.After nearly six decades, that yellow brick and stone building at 501 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. gave up its governmental seat in June 1973. Seeking to preserve the structure's essence, in 1981 a group of Bartlesville citizens succeeded in getting the old courthouse on the National Register of Historic Places. Three years later South Country Builders capped a novel restoration and remodeling, turning the beloved site into commercial offices while retaining the ornamentation and environment of the 1914 era.Like that exotic two-story electric sign atop its roof, the courthouse's grand design boldly proclaimed both ages-old stability and an upstart, oil-fueled exuberance, one of the proudest to be found across the bustling new state of Oklahoma. The Washington County Courthouse's charming abundance also captured the global optimism that a new age of peace and prosperity had dawned across the world.When Inland Construction Co. finished the three-story structure in 1914, what became the Washington County Courthouse forsook the iconic Greek columns of traditional halls of justice for a soaring arch of terra cotta flowers and petals. Built at the then- exorbitant cost of $125,000, the builders incorporated a number of striking features inside and out, from stone awnings and terra cotta leaf to marble staircases, cut-glass windows, plaster ceiling moldings and delicate chandeliers.The Journal Record profiles a significant Oklahoma City or Tulsa building in "These Walls" every Friday and Monday."I'm not quite sure I should tell this here," Singleton said of one such event, although like many such criminal exploits from the Roaring '20s and Depression '30s, she noted the stories live on in newspaper accounts and local memories. Indeed, metal plaques around the structure proclaim several of the more colorful encounters.

The Journal Record profiles a significant Oklahoma City or Tulsa building in "These Walls" every Friday and Monday.